1. The first step to stopping your bad habit is admitting that you have a problem. You need to acknowledge that you’re doing something wrong and that you want to change your behavior. Next, you should identify the cause of the problem and determine what triggers you may be used to create the negative behavioral pattern. Once you know these things, you’ll be able to make decisions about how you want to handle them going forward.
2. Determine if the behavior causing you problems is positive or negative. If it’s positive (for example, exercising), then you should continue with it. However, if it’s negative (excessive alcohol consumption, overeating, etc.), then you need to cut back or eliminate it. The only thing that will help you get rid of bad habits is replacing them with good ones!
3. Think about what makes you happy. What do you really enjoy? Do you enjoy your bad habit? Could you find a healthier alternative to satisfy those same desires?
4. Start small. Small changes will lead to bigger results. Instead of drinking two cups of coffee each morning, try having one cup instead. Instead of eating three meals per day, try eating two smaller meals.
5. Reward yourself when you succeed. Make sure not to treat yourself with food; however, you could reward yourself with something else that gives you happiness. A favorite hobby, a nice walk outside, or even a massage are great rewards for making progress toward your goals.
6. Remember that willpower alone isn’t enough. When you think about a long-term goal, it becomes difficult to stay focused on it. People often lose motivation after they set their minds on a particular course of action. To keep moving forward, you’ve got to work toward achieving your goal while keeping in mind that you’ll inevitably fail along the way.
7. Find people who support your efforts. Talking to someone who understands where you’re coming from can be helpful. By seeking out supportive friends and family members, you’ll feel more confident in your decision to curb your bad habit.
8. Get to know the root causes behind your bad habits. Sometimes we do these things because we don’t understand how harmful they are. Take some time to learn about the effects of your actions and what exactly is causing you to act in this manner.
9. Don’t focus solely on the consequences. Most of us tend to focus on our mistakes rather than our successes. While it’s true that avoiding the results will allow you to avoid regret, it won’t necessarily help you achieve your goals. Focus on the positive aspects of your life, and take pride in your accomplishments.
10. Keep track of your progress. Whenever you notice yourself doing anything that seems unhealthy, write down your thoughts and feelings. Keeping track of these thoughts can help you pinpoint what exactly you’re experiencing when you start indulging in a bad habit. You can refer to these notes throughout the day to remind yourself of your goal and help you stay motivated.
11. Be honest with yourself. Your honesty with yourself is what separates people who succeed from those who don’t. If you genuinely care about changing, chances are you won’t lie to yourself. So, whether you admit it or not, you already know your weaknesses and where you need to improve.
12. Use your strengths. While working on your weakness, remember all the things you’re good at. These skills and talents can be useful tools for helping you tackle your bad habits. In addition, being self-aware of your strengths can motivate you to pursue healthy behaviors.
13. Change the environment around you. Certain external factors can encourage or discourage certain behaviors. For example, if you spend most of your evenings watching television, you might consider switching the channel to watch less mindless entertainment and more educational programming before bedtime. Or, if you eat your dinner in front of the TV, you might consider taking your meal elsewhere so you can save money by eating out less frequently.
14. Consider joining a local support group. Support groups provide an opportunity for people to connect with others who share their interests and concerns. Through social interaction, you’ll find that you can gain insight into how to improve your lifestyle. Many organizations offer support groups based on specific issues and activities, including weight loss, dieting, smoking cessation, and quitting drugs/alcohol.